Pond Pitty Party

When we moved into our newly built house almost 9 years ago, one of the things I wanted more than anything was a pond. And right below our front window there was a little alcove area that was the perfect size and place to put one. So we did. At the time I had absolutely no idea how much work ponds were. Now I do. Let me just tell you, they are a lot of work. A lot.

This weekend was the first really nice weekend we have had this year. And so Saturday was deemed "Pond Cleaning and Upkeep Day". Ugh. First of all, we (my best husband in all the world helped) had to empty all the yucky, scummy water that had sat all winter. We used a bucket until we got to the bottom and then we pulled out the trusty Rainbow vacumn cleaner to pump out the rest. Then we had to scrub the sides of the liner, rinse it, and empty out that water. We cleaned the filter. Last fall we had discovered the pump had decided to pump its last bit of water ever. We needed to shop for a new pump. No problem. We jumped in the car and ran to town. We went to store #1. No pumps that would fit our system. We went to store #2. Same problem. We went to store #3. Apparently all the folks at the pond pump factory have joined in on a conspiracy. They realized if they changed the design of their pumps every so often, then when folks had to replace them they would also have to purchase new filters, hoses, and all the other pond paraphenelia. Ah, but they hadn't considered my husband. He finally chose a pump and converted it to fit the materials we had at home. Of course, to install the new pump we had to remove lots of heavy rocks to hide the hoses so that the pond looks like God planted it there. When we remove the rocks lots of debris fall into the pond. So back into the pond I go to clean it out. Again. Finally the moment arrives. We fill it with water. We plug in the pump. Voila'! The waterfall is running, the pond looks serene, we are finished. We sit on the porch swing and admire our work. We discuss how maybe it is worth it after all, to go through all this work so we can sit on the swing and enjoy it the rest of the summer. Our one day project had turned into a two day project - but just look at it - it is beautiful!

This morning before I left for work I opened the blinds in the living room so I could get a glimpse of our newly restored pond. Perhaps I would even take a picture to share on my blog today.

The pond is empty.

We had a lot of wind last night and it seems the wind blew the water coming off the waterfall to the side instead of letting the water go back into the pond. Today as I am stiff and sore and can hardly move, due to lifting heavy rocks and climbing in and out of my pond, I am really, seriously wondering if this is all worth it.

At the moment - I'm voting - not.